Goliath Comes Up Small

In case you missed it, Memphis forward Joey Dorsey told media members that Greg Oden was "overrated". He went on to say that in this matchup he was "Goliath" and Oden was "the little man". he also exhibited some highly questionable statistical analysis of their respective rebounding prowess.

With this sort of buildup, I expected an epic battle in the post. But Ohio State just cruised into the Final Four with a 92-76 win. Joey Dorsey, aka Goliath, finished with ZERO points and 3 rebounds. Strong work, son. Both player had problems with fouls, but Oden tallied 17 point and 9 rebounds.

Perhaps our resident biblical scholar can enlighten us on the story of David and Goliath...but did Goliath suck that bad? Apparently betting on David minus -17 would have been a winner.

An Open Letter to Greg Oden

Dear Greg:

I'm sure San Antonio wasn't at the top of your list of cities to visit, but I hope you're having a good time nonetheless. We're a couple hours away from your game against Memphis for a spot in the Final Four. A few quick thoughts are in order from Buckeye Nation:

Should the unthinkable occur, this could be your last college basketball game. Selfish Buckeye fans having been hoping against reason that you'll stay for one more year. We dream about you playing under the basket with Kosta Koufos. We point to Tim Duncan and even this year's Florida team that lottery locks don't have to leave early. Surely you'd like a full season in college, unincumbered by an injured wrist, to develop into a dominating offense presence. Ohio State fans would love to have our once-in-a-lifetime center help establish the program into a dynasty.

I'm not sure a grown man is supposed to say. "If you love someone, set them free" to 7'0" African-American freshman. But over the past few months, I bet the grind of college basketball has been a pain in the...well, I'm sure it's been frustrating. During the Big Ten season a notoriously tough conference, team's used sagging zone and triple teams to rough you up. The Wisconsin games in particular, I was suprised rape charges weren't filed. Depsite the physical play, you persevered and led the team to the conference and tournament title.

But in the NCAA Tournament, things have gotten worse. Wearing sleek new Nike uniforms, I can still see your jersey being yanked. Opponents are grabbing, shoving, and hitting you, basically daring you to fight back. You get mauled on most plays, and how are you paid back? By having cheap offensive fouls and ticky-tack defensive calls go against you. The frustration was evident after the Xavier game when referred to the push that fouled you as, "getting your money's worth". It was even worse during the Sweet 16 Tennessee game, as your fourth foul was one of the most egregious calls I can remember against a superstar.

All of this to say: go out and have some fun today. Dunk hard on that punk Dorsey's head, and do that angry, scary scream while you're hanging on the rim. Swat a couple shots into the stands. Show us again that you and your buddy Mike Conley simply don't know how to lose.

I'd love to see Ohio State in the Final Four with a chance to bring home the championship. But if something (or someone) prevents that from happening, take the money and run. Enter the lottery, be the number 1 pick, and show those Durant lovers like Bill Simmons how wrong they are. Getting hammered by college kids while refs turn a blind eye? Not worth it. Ohio State fans will always be greatful you blessed the campus with your presence for a season. And even if it's with the Celtics, I'll buy the Oden jersey next season. And with 9 top recruits, including 4 five-stars, coming over the next two season, the Buckeyes will be just fine.

Now go take care of business.

Cardiac Kids Survive Again

Ohio State spotted Tennessee a 17 point halftime but roared back in the second half to win 85-84. Mike Conley Jr. hit the last of his 9 free throws for the winning margin. Despite foul trouble the entire game, Greg Oden blocked a desperation shot at the buzzer to seal the win. The Volunteers, led by Chris Lofton, were unreal from 3 point range. Ohio State received another sterling effort from Ron Lewis, who scored 25 points. Reserves Matt Terwilliger and David Lighty gave Coach Matta a strong effort on the defensive end. Both teams felt the officiating was slanted against them. Tennessee Coach Bruce Pearl whined at his press conference about the lack of free throws his team took, while Oden and Othello Hunter were saddled with fouls on a number of questionsable calls. Oden again received rough treatment in the post with little help from the refs to show for it.

Ohio State will take on Memphis on Saturday for a berth in the Final Four.

You're Going Down Like a Sweet Muffin, Bruce

The Buckeyes and Volunteers meet for the second time this season in the Sweet 16 tonight. Ohio State won the first meeting 68-66 on a Ron Lewis three pointer. Tonight's matchup will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:57pm eastern.

Tennessee is coached by Bruce Pearl, who famously went topless, covered in orange body paint to a women's basketball game. He also was the coach of UW-Milwaukee during their magical tounrnament run. Some of the hottest cheeerleaders west of Fairfax, VA.

I'll spare everyone the photo of Pearl shirtless, as well as the bad orange "crush" jokes. Unless Chris Lofton is unconscious tonight, Buckeyes by 6-10 points.

Ohio State: Breaking Down the Fullbacks

Back in the days of three yards and cloud of dust, fullback played a key role in the Ohio State offense. But Troy Smith's spread formation rarely included a fullback. Senior Stan White Jr. came in for short-yardage plays, but functioned more as H-Back.

With White graduated, the starting job belongs to Dionte Johnson, son of former Buckeye great Pepper. Johnson is senior and will be counted on to pave the way for Chris Wells and protect the new OSU quarterback. The other member of the two deep is Aram Olson, a redshirt freshman from South Carolina. Olson battled injuries last season, but was rated as a top five fullback in the class of 2006.

There are no other players listed as pure fullback on the roster, but that doesn't mean no one else will see action at the position. Two of Ohio State's deep linebacking core could potentially play fullback depending on the situation. There have been rumors that Austin Spitler, a redshirt sophomore from Bellbrook, could move to the offensive side of the ball. And incoming freshman Brian Rolle, a four-star prospect from Florida, was a bruising ball carrier in high school. There's no reason to think he'll move from linebacker, but Tressel likes versatile athletes, so don't be surprised.

Ohio State is not currently targeting any fullbacks in the 2008 class. With limited scholarships and an evolving offense, fullback will not be a priority. However, the Buckeyes could sign another linebacker with the ability to play fullback. Mooney's Mike Zordich, who holds an offer from Ohio State, fits that description. However, he might be difficult to pry away from Penn State, where his Dad starred.

Torrence Latest to Join Buckeyes Class

DeVoe Torrence ended his recruitment today, offering a verbal commitment to The Ohio State University. One of the top players in the state of Ohio for 2008, Torrence is a standout running back and linebacker.

Torrence was considered a lock for OSU early this year, but after visiting Michigan, he told some recruiting services that the two schools were "50/50". Apparently the Michigan coaches told DeVoe he would be buried on the defensive depth chart at Ohio State, but would have an easy path to carries as a Michigan running back. I discussed that nonsense last week, as Michigan changed it's story and is now "only" recruiting Sam McGuffie as a running back.

Torrence will join his brother Devon, a 2007 OSU commit at defensive back. It seemed like Torrence might be waiting for the right time to announce his decision, but he told Scout.com earlier today, "...every day is special, especially when you’re committing to the greatest program in America.” With more than 20 offers in hand, Torrence also indicated that he selected the Buckeyes over Michigan.

Behold, a WHITE HORSE

Revelation 19:11-15,

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war (on the buckeyes). His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns (national championships). He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood (scarlet), and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean (and maize and blue), followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”

First of all, Mr. McGuffie hurdles many opponents in his various tapes not just the one opponent referred to by my esteemed colleague. Secondly, it is his fierce cutting ability and shocking bursts of speed that should frighten Big 10 defenses more than anything.

As to the personal attacks on his game and style, I'll concede the 8-Mile reference since I really liked that movie. But as to the tennis and track player references:

1. Rivals has him listed at 6' and 185 lbs.

2. His coaches say he "lives in the weight room."

3. He has a 335 lb bench max

4. He has a combine timed 4.3 forty and 3.7 shuttle and 45 inch vertical.

5. His dad (a former HS track star at 180 lbs) is now 6'5" and 270 and Sam's little brother (9th grade) is already 6'1"

6. Sam's last year stats: 3,212 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns on 358 carries

7. This was against Texas 5A competition.

8. Sam's own words,

"When we played Lamar, they called me Superman in the paper, so when they tackled me they would say 'What's up Superman? You're going to try to jump over me?' We ended up wining (29-7). I had 40 carries and killed them. After the game we're shaking hands and they were saying that I was the truth. It's fun. It's good for me. It makes me look better. If I was going against scrubs, that would diminish it. But I'm going against good players."

9. Even after the most recent "spectacular" A & M trip he said UM leads. He grew up a big UM fan. His father and brother are both huge UM fans. He has lots of family in Michigan. UM offered him the #2 which he said was huge. UM is giving him the red carpet treatment and the keys to the throne. Depending on what report you read, he is the only RB offer for 2008. In other words, look for him to end up a wolverine.

10. I only hope that the James gang stays around for one more year to "test" Mr. McGuffie.

Stay tuned for more posts on the White Horse as the recruiting year continues...

The Great White Hype

Coverage of college football recruiting has become a booming industry over the past few years. Fans following the recruiting process with as much, if not more, passion as they do the actual games. One of the strange consequences of this growth is that fans become aware of players well before they leave high school. This means that 16 and 17 year-old kids will actually have followers well before they hit campus. On the flip side, these recruits immediately become part of bitter rivalries.

This leads me to Texas RB Sam McGuffie, who Michigan fans have been swooning over for a year now. Mcguffie became somewhat of an internet phenomenon because of this YouTube highlight reel, which includes a play in which he hurdled an opponent. I'm not going to embed the video because frankly I don't want to watch the thing again. Sure, it's an athletic move. But against what type of competition? It looks like a little defensive back drop his head down (great form son, now you're immortalized) so he's Hobbit-sized. And the 5'10" McGuffie has no problem leaping over Frodo en route to a TD. Awesome. Try those shennanigans in the Big Ten, and you'll get yourself killed.

Naturally, if McGuffie is loved and courted by Michigan fans, he must be reviled by Oho State fans, right? Not necessarily. Ohio State has been in contact with McGuffie, possibly to play the slot. Why? Apparently Sam is great friends with Klein (TX) offensive tackle J.B. Shugarts. Shugarts is one of the most highly coveted linemen in the country, and both Michigan and Ohio State would love to land him. McGuffie and Shugarts have visited a number of schools together, and claim they would like to attend the same school. Should Ohio State get involved to keep in the Shugarts mix? Package deals rarely work out, so I'm thinking no.

Recruiting is an inexact science, as no one really knows how good these kids will be. So fans argue over their prospects, claiming their team will be better in 2010 than your team. As such, I've already built up a healthy dislike of McGuffie for no rational reason. When I see him, I'm already thinking "Wolverine", even though he might not go there. After a quick tour through his photo gallery on Rivals, I'm left thinking that McGuffie is:

(a) more like a tennis player than a football player;

(b) a track star...a girl's track star;

(c) the second lead in the upcoming sequel to "8 Mile", direct to video

Seriously Sam, put your hat on straight. If you can bring J.B. to C-Bus, we'll let you play slot and I'll get over it. But if you're going to put on that winged-helmet, you're in for a disappointing college career. I still think that Oklahoma and Texas A&M will ultimately be big players for McGuffie. LSU and Ohio State haven't offered and Florida is going to get Josh Haden. Notre Dame doesn't seem like a good fit.

Meanwhile, Michigan is alienating some top backs with their exclusive pursuit of McGuffie - Jonas Gray and Devoe Torrence come to mind. Then again, if you ask my fellow blogger Bill, Michigan has plenty of 4 and 5-star backup plans. But I'm still pulling for McGuffie to don the Maize and Blue. There are some OSU linebackers that would like to test that leaping ability.

Ohio State: Breaking Down the Wide Receivers

Ohio State lost its two top WR’s this year to the draft, as both Ted Ginn Jr and Anthony Gonzalez declared early for the NFL draft. In addition, fifth year senior Roy Hall also exhausted his eligibility. Ginn is expected to be a first round pick, while Gonzo will likely be picked in the second round. Hall, who had an underwhelming career at Ohio State, had an amazing workout at Pro Day and could be a first day pick.

With the depth chart wide open, Coach Tressel will look for junior Brian Robiskie and redshirt sophomore Brian Hartline to fill the void. Robiskie was just a two-start recruit, but also had an offer from Miami, back when people actually cared who went to the U. Hartline was a solid three-star prospect who made great strides as a route runner and blocker last season. Sophomore Ray Small, a speedy player from Glenville, is expected to be the next great playmaker at WR. He will likely see time in the slot as the third option.

The depth chart is rounded out by two veterans and two newcomers. Albert Dukes and Devon Lyons were both highly sought after four star WR's. But neither has lived up to that billing, and the window of opportunity is rapidy closing. Dukes comes from the same high school as former Buckeye star Santonio Holmes, and has the size and speed to be a contributor. Lyons has bounced between safety and wide receiver, never quite finding a home.

The incoming freshman are Taurian Washington of Orchard Lake St. Mary's (MI) and Dane Sanzenbacher from Toledo's Central Catholic. Washington was a four-star prospect that chose Ohio State over Michigan and Penn State. Orchard Lake St. Mary's has long been considered a feeder school for Michigan, and Washington was part of the Wolverine's failure to land any of the top players in the state last season. Sanzenbacher was a star at both Ohio State and Iowa's camps, and is a future possession receiver.

With the departure of Ginn and Gonzalez, WR is a priority for the Buckeyes in 2008. As we blogged last week, OSU has already received a commitment from a highly rated in-state propsect, DeVier Posey. There are two other critical in-start targets that could wrap up this position for Ohio State. Cordale Scott, the next great player from Ted Ginn Sr's Glenville program, is a member of Rivals 100 to watch list. It has been many years since Ohio State missed on a Glenville kid they wanted, so Scott is considered an Ohio State lean.

Jim Tressel is also in hot pursuit of Dublin Coffman's Jake Stoneburner. A teammate of Buckeye verbal Mike Adams, Stoneburner has collected an impressive offer list that includes Michigan, USC and Florida. With a 6'5" frame, Stoneburner could grow into a fast TE or a tall WR. Either way, he presents serious matchup problems.

Should Ohio State sign all three in-state kids, the WR class would likely be finished. A few other name to keep in mind: Michael Floyd (MN), Josh Jarboe (GA), Brandon Green (IL), Marcus Sales (NY), Rotell Jenkins (VA), Kenny Tate (MD), Jonathan Baldwin (PA) and Fred Smith (MI). Of the group, Floyd will be the highest rated. Doc Tressel has had success in Minnesota, but Notre Dame looks tough to beat. Green has intriguing potential as a playermaker, but doesn't yet hold an OSU offer. The good money remains on OSU staying in-state for all of the 2008 wide receivers.

Updated Michigan's Top 2008 Recruiting Commitments & Targets

Top 17 Targeted positions

17. QB- B. Kay (MI) - Best in MI. Important in case Forcier ever transfers.
16. TE- K. Rudolph (OH) – Need another solid all-around TE. Not a major need. J. Stoneburner (OH), B. Moore (OH), M. Wedderburn (PA), H. Graham (PA), N. Dilillo (OH), and A. Holt (UT) are the backups in order.
15. HB- C. Wilson (PA)
14. DT- S. Barnett (IND) – Another Warren Central kid. Not a very high priority. C. Henderson (PA), O. Hunter (GA), and A. Woods (Det., MI) are backup plans 1, 2, & 3.
13. CB- P. Johnson (FLA) - R. Bolden (CA- Another Edison kid (J. Sears)), J. Holley (PA) and L. Green (PA) are backup plans 1, 2, & 3.
12. WR- D. Stonum (TX) – Don’t really need a second WR but he is too good to pass up and wants UM. From Herron and Woolfolk’s school. F. Smith (Det., MI) and M. Floyd (MN) are the backups.
11. FS- R. Blanton (NC) - Would take over for S. Brown in two years. V. Carraway (PA), R. Butler (TX), J. Wade (best Ann Arbor prospect since C. Tabb), and T. Tidwell (Det., MI) are the backup plans.
10. OG- K. Wermers (IND) - A. Sampson (CO) is the backup plan. Might take a third interior lineman also.
9. OG- T. Robinson (NE) – V. Dotsy (CA) is the backup plan.
8. WR- J. Baldwin (PA)
7. RB- S. McGuffie (TX) - D. Scott (CA), D. Torrence (OH), & J. Grey (Det., MI) are backup plans 1, 2, & 3. Might take two.
6. OT- D. O’Neil (MI) – Already a wolverine. Might take a third tackle from the following list: B. Givens (CO), L. Nix (PA), and G. Pocic (ILL).
5. WSDE- D. Heyman (TN) – K. Middleton (WA), N.Price (Det., MI), Darius Flemming (ILL), P. Phillips (Det., MI) are the backups in order. May take two here.
4. SS- W. Hill (NJ) – S. Adams (NC), D. McCarthy (OH), B. Smith (NJ), B. Leslie (CA), E. Biakabatuka (CAN), & C. Burrell (Det., MI), are backup plans 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. May take two here.
3. LB- S. Hale (PA) - ATH C. Saddler (think M. Maize) is from Hale’s school and may be offered in order to facilitate Hale’s recruitment. A. Brown (KAN), J. Major (CO), S. Filler (ILL), B. Beachum (OH), N. Bradham (FLA), M. Witherspoon (NJ), J.B. Fitzgerald (NJ), A. Sweat (PA), M. Dowtin (VA), D. Posluszny (PA), L. Murray (NY- M. Hart’s school), J. Williams (OH), J. Staples (OH), & S. Blake (PA) are the backups in approximate order. Will take at least two if not three.
2. CB- B. Cissoko (Det., MI) – Already a wolverine
1. OT- J.B. Shugarts (TX) – K. Holmes (CA- legacy but SC battle) & Z. Sanders (OH) are the backup plans.

Dan O'Neill is a Wolverine

Michigan is showing that last year was a fluke by getting both of the top players in the state of Michigan for the '08 recruiting class to commit to the wolverines by March 18th. The latest is tackle Dann O'Neill. Dann is between 6'7" and 6'8". He is currently at 290 lbs. because of wrestling (where he is a star) weight limits, but Dann will get back well above 300 for football. Dann is currently a Rivals 250 to watch player. He will definitely be a four star with both Rivals and Scout and he could quite possibly end up a top 100 player when his most recent growth spurt and his wrestling quickness are taken into account. With his committment, the tackle depth for 2008 is as follows (next year's eligibility in parenthesis):

Ortmann (jr.) - Schilling (so.) - Zirbel (jr.) - O'Neill (fr.) - Dorrenstein (so.) - Huyge (fr.)

Last summer at the UM football camp O'Neill won the award as the fastest lineman which is cool because UM's new zone blocking scheme requires speed. Bottom line: Dann is no Adams or Shugarts or Brewster but he's solid enough to make me not completely sweat the position. Plus, he will be a great #2 if indeed we get a Shugarts or Sanders.